Tassel (Samjak Norigae)

20th century

Women of the late Joseon wore norigae, or decorative pendants, hanging from the tie of a jacket or skirt. The norigae consisted of tassels hanging from multiple elements that would sway with the woman’s movement and sometimes make a soft jingling noise. This elaborate example has three pendant objects (samjak) that symbolize good fortune and proper wifely behavior. The miniature sword wards off evil. The gourd-shaped vase represents joy and plenty. The object with the smaller pendant elements is a wind chime/noisemaker that farmers would hang in the fields to scare away birds; it too serves to protect the wearer from harm.